National Sports Commission suggested:

[kenshe]

[Sports India]: New Delhi, Dec 13 : The creation of an autonomous National Sports Commission has been suggested to oversee the development of sports and games in India.

Raising the issue as a special mention in the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Rajeev Shukla said Monday the commission should be formed to oversee the ever-increasing sports activities in the country.

"Sports can play a significant role in the building of a strong nation and a vibrant economy, particularly now that India is being viewed as the venue for several important international sporting events," said Shukla.

"But the country woefully lacks modern sports infrastructure," he said.

"I, therefore, urge the government to consider setting up an autonomous National Sports Commission to develop and execute country-wide plans in collaboration with the states and non-governmental organisations for the development of various sports, including creation of at least 1,000 modern stadia of various sizes all over the country," said Shukla, who is also the chairman of the communication and coordination committee of the Indian cricket board.

"It may be noted that Japan got its recognition as a major industrial force only after the Tokyo Olympics (of 1964). Greece is witnessing the same phenomenon after the (August) Olympics," pointed out Shukla, who is on the executive of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association.

He also pointed out that urban development in Delhi got a major boost only after the successful conduct of the 1982 Asian Games.

--Indo-Asian News Service